Feinstein's campaign treasuer arrested for fraud - Fund wiped out?

[J. J.]

A few days ago Sen. Diane Feinstien's campaign treasurer, Kinde Durkee, was arrested for fraud involving another Democratic representative.  There are now suggestions that a large portion of Feinstein's war chest might have been stolen by Durkee.  The link is below.

Fox is reporting that Durkee is not licensed in CA; that could create a liability insurance problem.

I want to be clear in this.  Feinstein is the possible victim.  There is no suggestion that she is involved in the fraud.

It is possible, however, that Feinstien has lost part, or all, of her war chest.  That could have dire political consequences.

Several other Democratic representatives used Durkee as well.

http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/c/a/2011/09/13/MNQ01L4779.DTL

[Wonkish1]

A few days ago Sen. Diane Feinstien's campaign treasurer, Kinde Durkee, was arrested for fraud involving another Democratic representative.  There are now suggestions that a large portion of Feinstein's war chest might have been stolen by Durkee.  The link is below.

Fox is reporting that Durkee is not licensed in CA; that could create a liability insurance problem.

I want to be clear in this.  Feinstein is the possible victim.  There is no suggestion that she is involved in the fraud.

It is possible, however, that Feinstien has lost part, or all, of her war chest.  That could have dire political consequences.

Several other Democratic representatives used Durkee as well.

http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/c/a/2011/09/13/MNQ01L4779.DTL

$5.2 million dollars, wew! Where I come from that's a lot of money. Not easily replaceable I'm sure. If that is gone Feinstien will make the juiciest target that many GOP candidates have seen in a long time. I doubt she will be able to even raise half that back in time.

[TJ in Oregon]

Unless it comes out that Feinstein is something other than a victim I doubt she's in danger unless the country is so incredibly mad at Democrats that every Dem is in danger.

Maybe if we can get a great opponent for here with some special constituencies, but otherwise California is pretty much out of play.

[J. J.]

Unless it comes out that Feinstein is something other than a victim I doubt she's in danger unless the country is so incredibly mad at Democrats that every Dem is in danger.

Maybe if we can get a great opponent for here with some special constituencies, but otherwise California is pretty much out of play.

If someone mugs me, I'm still out the money I had in my pocket!

If it's just a few $100 k, that is survivable, but where would be able to make that all up?

This is terrible and Feinstein's worst sin was trusting a crook that everyone else trusted too.

[Wonkish1]

Unless it comes out that Feinstein is something other than a victim I doubt she's in danger unless the country is so incredibly mad at Democrats that every Dem is in danger.

Maybe if we can get a great opponent for here with some special constituencies, but otherwise California is pretty much out of play.

I agree, but its not going to be any more in play than having a way underfunded incumbent. So for the GOPers that want there shot this is likely going to be there best chance for quite a while.

[greenforest32]

Maybe now she can step down and we can get a real liberal Democrat in her seat?

[J. J.]

I wouldn't mind winning the seat, but I still hate to see it happen this way (if it does happen this way).

[Guderian]

I wouldn't mind winning the seat, but I still hate to see it happen this way (if it does happen this way).

Feinstein would beat any California Republican without spending a dime.

[© tweed]

good thing she's like the 6th richest person in Congress.  and that Jello Biafra sweeps her porch for free.

[Meeker]

I wouldn't mind winning the seat, but I still hate to see it happen this way (if it does happen this way).

Feinstein would beat any California Republican without spending a dime.

Yup.

[Napoleon]

If this is her financial situation, then I would predict that if Obama is reelected nationwide, then Feinstein wins. If Obama looses, no matter by what margin nationwide, she looses.

Feinstein can't lose in CA.

[Wonkish1]

If this is her financial situation, then I would predict that if Obama is reelected nationwide, then Feinstein wins. If Obama looses, no matter by what margin nationwide, she looses.

No offense, but this is a pretty dumb comment. Almost down to a Landslide Lyndon or DrScholl level of stupidity.

[Napoleon]

If this is her financial situation, then I would predict that if Obama is reelected nationwide, then Feinstein wins. If Obama looses, no matter by what margin nationwide, she looses.

No offense, but this is a pretty dumb comment. Almost down to a Landslide Lyndon or DrScholl level of stupidity.

I'm glad I'm not the only one who realizes they are essentially BSB and Krazen with red avatars.

[Wonkish1]

If this is her financial situation, then I would predict that if Obama is reelected nationwide, then Feinstein wins. If Obama looses, no matter by what margin nationwide, she looses.

No offense, but this is a pretty dumb comment. Almost down to a Landslide Lyndon or DrScholl level of stupidity.

I'm glad I'm not the only one who realizes they are essentially BSB and Krazen with red avatars.

I'm glad it isn't only us with those blue avatars that have noticed they are a little off.

[redcommander]

Which California senator would republicans rather see defeated? To be honest and frank, I think republicans can tolerate Diane Feinstein, but (and here is the frank part) most republicans hate Barbara Boxer.

That ship sailed when they nominated Fiorina, so concentrating on replacing Feinstein should be the GOP's main concern now, even if she is a moderate hero on certain issues.

[Holmes]

It doesn't matter. Remember, Whitman far outspent Brown. Also, Feinstein is very wealthy herself. So whatever.

[Sbane]

Feinstein will not lose in California. End of story. She doesn't need money, everyone knows her. She usually doesn't even run ads or anything.

She does well with the old school democrats in the central valley and the urban types aren't going to vote for anyone else.

[JohnnyLongtorso]

She cut a $5 million check to cover her losses. Problem over.